Two young, ambitious and full of energy VET students from Spain arrived in Skopje last Thursday. Meet Laura and Ferran, who will spend two months in Skopje doing their internships in our beautiful city. They will be engaged in the activities of VCS and our partner organizations.

Laura, 21

Hello! My name is Laura, and I’m from Barcelona, Catalunya, specifically from Montmeló, where the Formula 1 race track is located. I am studying for a higher degree in sociocultural and tourist animation, and before that, I studied care for people in a situation of dependency.

I have come to Macedonia as a surprise if I’m being honest. But I think it’s a very nice and cosy place. My first impression of Macedonia? The buildings are completely different from Barcelona, and the welcome that volunteers gave us was like a shot of energy and motivation to start the Erasmus with enthusiasm.

One of the first things I did after I came was to see the pirate ship on the quay of the Vardar river. I love pirate culture. What I like to do the most is to listen to live music. I like all kinds of musical genres. Also, I like to play the Spanish guitar, dive in the sea, nature and enjoy “day to day”. When I was young, I played in a Batucada, exactly the Surdo, the big drum that sounds bass. I am also in associations and volunteering with disabled children and those at risk of social exclusion. I am also a fireworks shooter. In Catalonia, we call it “els diables” and it involves dancing with a demon costume under the fire.

One of the challenges here is to get to know the culture, the most famous places, the cuisine and the people. And I think that VCS will help us with everything we need and even more.

Ferran, 18

Hello! My name is Ferran, and I’m 18 years old. I live in Matadepera, a little village 30 minutes away from Barcelona. I’m currently studying for a higher degree in sociocultural and tourist animation. I’ve come to Macedonia with my classmate Laura in search of knowledge, experience and personal growth. But first, I would like for you to get to know me.

I consider myself an ambitious and energetic young man with an eagerness to learn and to try new things. I’ve recently come to realize that getting out of my comfort zone is the best way to learn and to grow. That’s one of the main reasons why I decided to go on this adventure. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, reading, meditating and most importantly, doing sport. I practice calisthenics, which is similar to gymnastics. I also practice ballet and aerial movement on the trapeze. It’s safe to say that I’ve integrated a new habit into my life, where there is a new challenge waiting for me everyday.

I consider Macedonia one of the biggest challenges so far, where my instinct and intuition defeats my intellect in a way that I’m more aware of my surroundings, orientation, having a “hunch”, and trusting my gut. Macedonia has awakened new feelings and sensations I’ve never felt before.

When it comes to first impressions, I have to say I’m astonished… People here are so nice and thoughtful in many ways. The VCS volunteers have greeted us in a very friendly way, by showing us around and making us feel at home. So much is happening in such a short amount of time! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m very happy and grateful to be able to take part in this.